Apple releases fix for one of the Apple TV 4K’s most heavily cited issues

In a session posted to Apple’s Developer site, the tech giant says that tvOS 11.2 allows the Apple TV 4K to automatically switch display modes to match high-dynamic range — which it was capable of before — but also now frame rate, with both features being disabled by default.

In order to turn the new setting on, users to need to select the ‘Match Content’ option in the Apple TV 4K’s video and audio settings, allowing the device to individually match dynamic range and frame rate. This means that if your TV supports 60Hz HDR10 but only 30Hz Dolby Vision, the Apple TV will no longer default to the less superior HDR10 option. Instead, the Apple TV will match both frame rate and dynamic range.

It’s unclear when this tvOS firmware 11.2 will drop, however. Other issues with the set-top box related to a lack of YouTube 4K HDR support and Dolby Atmos compatibility, have yet to be addressed by Apple.

While iOS 11.2’s new features likely won’t appeal to the average user, those of us who care about Dolby Vision and framerates will be pleased with this improvement.

This issue didn’t necessarily come across my radar when I was reviewing the recently released Apple TV 4K, but it was highlighted by a number of other reviewers, including The Verge’s Nilay Patel.